Sorry for the wait everybody. Went on vacation before my summer semester starts tomorrow :(

Pepper POV

I've never been a nosy person who just has to know what's going on all the time-except things that pertain to a certain Tony Stark-but I can't help but feel intense curiosity along with everyone else that was bustling to leave the restaurant in droves.

At least I can say that I was able to restrain myself from pulling my phone out and recording everything, unlike my fellow restaurant patrons. There was little left to privacy these days and I was not one to intrude on other people's lives. If only I knew what kind of scene I was going to stumble on…

"Hey watch it!"

I had to restrain myself from rolling my eyes as John once again grumbled at someone who rushed past him and managed to shoulder check him in the process. We were right at the entrance of the restaurant and could see the growing number of people accumulate as everyone inched their way closer to the altercation a block away.

The street that separated all the businesses on either side was at a complete stand still. Angry drivers were honking and shouting, adding to the commotion occurring down the street.

"Should we get closer?" John asked warily, looking at the people around us and making sure they stayed their distance.

I could hear the sirens in the distance and suddenly felt a cold feeling in the pit of my stomach. It was not an unfamiliar feeling but one that still left me feeling uncomfortable nonetheless. I could almost equate it to when Tony was kid—

"Get Down!" I didn't even have a chance to protest when John shoved me down as gunshots rang in the air. I could hear shouts and gasps of panic as everyone around us also ducked for cover.

I was grateful for John's great reflexes but was not so receptive of his grabby hands. I moved away from him and made a move to stand up when John shoved me back down again.

"It's too dangerous!" John shouted in to my ear.

"So are we just going to stay down here all night? The shots were a long ways away." I responded smartly. "We need to leave."

I shook his hold off and made a move to stand again once I was completely sure the coast was somewhat clear. Far off into the distance, I could see a cluster of black vans with an even bigger group of abandoned cars around them. I'm assuming the owners were long gone after the shots were fired.

I started to make my way away from the scene when a loud voice projected from speakers that seemed to be attached to the sketchy vans.

"Make a move and live to regret it!"

That effectively had everyone stopping and listening.

The voice continued, "You are my audience today. You will witness history… the fall of an icon! Please, come closer."

Nobody made a move. His warm reception was not exactly enticing and only idiots would take him up on his offer. I was definitely not among them. John, shockingly, was not among that group as well.

"No one in this world is safe. No one will come to protect you. You all live in a false sense of security, one that hangs on precariously and can be torn down at any moment."

Slowly, people stood from their positions and tried to back away from the area as discreetly as possible. The owner of the voice was clearly deranged. I was about to join them when a loud whoosh of air sounded dangerously close and a bright light flashed across the area, exploding into one of the little boutiques in the corner.

Shrieks and pained cries filled the air as people scrambled from the burning building where the apparent missile had hit. I felt a sick feeling in my stomach and mentally willed the police to hurry up and get this dangerous situation under control.

"I said come closer, damn it! My audience needs to witness this."

"He's a lunatic," John piped in. I almost forgot he was still here.

"Clearly," I muttered back, pulling out my phone and making an executive decision.

Normally, I would never bother calling him when I need help, especially when the situation could turn out dangerous… or more dangerous with his involvement. He would justify putting on the suit for this, with good reason, and then he would destroy half the block trying to be the hero. He would win, of course. I just hate the thought of him in danger and the destruction he tends to dole out at the expense of normal citizens.

Letting out a defeated sigh, I dialed his number… only to get his voicemail. Maybe Jarvis had already informed him of the situation? I dialed Jarvis's direct line next. At least I know the A.I. would answer this call.

The accented voice answered on the second ring, "Good evening, Miss Potts. How may I assist you?"

"Hey Jarvis, is Tony in the house? He's not answering my call."

"Mr. Stark left approximately 43 minutes ago with Mr. Hogan and Colonel Rhodes. He spoke of having a 'boys night.'"

I rolled my eyes at this news. "Where were they headed?"

I swear I can hear slight hesitation in Jarvis's voice when he responded, "I'm not allowed to divulge that information. My apologies, Miss Potts."

"You can't tell anyone or you can't tell me?"

"I'm not allowed to divulge that as well." Again, another hint of hesitation.

"Ok… I kind of have a situation here Jarvis."

"I am aware of what is occurring, Miss Potts. The police ETA is less than two minutes and I've left a message with Mr. Stark. Unfortunately, his phone went of the grid approximately 5 minutes ago along with Mr. Hogan's and Colonel Rhodes."

The cold feeling I had grew stronger at that last bit of news. What were the chances of all their phones going out at the same time? Not very likely.

"Miss Potts?" Jarvis cut in. "I suggest you wait for the authorities to arrive. I will continue to locate Mr. Stark and inform him of your whereabouts."

"Thanks, Jarvis," I responded quietly, putting the phone away and taking in a deep breath.

"Stark going to show up anytime soon and save the day?" John asked as he peeked over the parked car we were hiding behind.

"Doesn't seem like it at the moment," I muttered back, hoping desperately that Tony would show up and make everything better.

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